Danielle Hawthorne is a compassionate disruptor and truth-teller, dedicated to honoring her inherent worth and dignity while empowering others to do the same. An accomplished Executive, Keynote Speaker, and transformational Leadership Coach, Danielle leverages her voice and extensive experience to contribute authentically, advocate fearlessly, and elevate every space she enters by fostering genuine connections and engagement.
Driven by a passion for dismantling systems of oppression, Danielle joined Code2040, where she led strategic initiatives that delivered transformative results as Vice President of Programs. As Director of Early Career Programs, she demonstrated responsive leadership by restructuring and expanding service offerings to better serve the organization’s mission.
Recognized for her dynamic public speaking, Danielle is known for leaving a lasting impact on her audiences. She captivates listeners through relatable storytelling, openness, and actionable solutions to real-world challenges, offering both inspiration and practical guidance.
A respected thought leader in leadership, racial equity, and diversity, Danielle has shared her insights with esteemed platforms such as Bloomberg and CBS News. She has also been a featured guest on numerous podcasts, where she discusses topics including burnout, her spiritual journey, and her advocacy for the rights of women and BIPOC communities.
Currently, Danielle serves as the Co-Founder and CEO of Worthy of Dignity, a leadership development, coaching and consulting firm dedicated to helping leaders embrace their divine worth and dignity. Worthy of Dignity is committed to fostering leadership rooted in being rather than doing. The firm partners with organizations to redefine and develop leadership, creating inclusive workspaces that prioritize harm reduction, increased team morale, and belonging. It also supports individuals in establishing their identity based on intrinsic worth and dignity rather than external performance metrics. Through personalized coaching and leadership development, the firm equips leaders to be authentic, empathetic, and inclusive, fostering well-being for both themselves and their teams.
Additionally, Ms. Hawthorne serves as a Special Projects Advisor with the Equity and Wellness Institute (EqWI), a woman of color-owned and operated California Certified Small Business with over 25 years of experience advancing social justice across the state. In this role, she supports the creation of internal company culture initiatives and leads professional development opportunities.Danielle also co-facilitated a nine-month Task Force for California’s Office of Health Equity, conducting research, analysis, and contributing to a comprehensive themes and recommendations report.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Danielle finds fulfillment in her personal life. She treasures time with her four children, actively supporting their academic and extracurricular pursuits. She enjoys weekly date nights and cooking with her beloved husband. Her weekends are filled with leisurely walks, live music, and shared meals with close family and friends. Danielle can often be found engrossed in a good book, savoring fine wines, or enjoying brunch with her closest girlfriends.
